Two New Restaurants Introduce Unique Indian and Italian Cuisine to Charleston

Charleston, September 18, 2025

News Summary

Downtown Charleston will welcome two new restaurants, Rivayat and Allora, featuring a fusion of Indian and Italian cuisine. Rivayat, opening on September 18, will highlight upscale Indian dishes with a focus on seafood, while Allora, set to debut on October 1, will offer coastal Italian flavors. Both establishments aim to enhance Charleston’s vibrant culinary scene with unique dining experiences.

Charleston – Two new restaurants are set to open in downtown Charleston, introducing a blend of Indian and Italian cuisine to the area. Rivayat, an upscale Indian restaurant, will officially open its doors on September 18 at 210 Rutledge Ave., the former location of Makan. This new dining spot is owned by Sujith Varghese, who is also the owner of Mount Pleasant Spice Palette.

Rivayat will showcase a diverse menu featuring dishes from both Southern and Northern India, with a strong emphasis on seafood. Patrons can expect to find South Indian staples and North Indian favorites, alongside modern interpretations such as lobster moilee and traditional naan. The restaurant’s design is influenced by Varghese’s roots in Kerala, India, featuring a coastal-meets-modern aesthetic with natural textures and Indian-inspired accents. Rivayat aims to appeal to the local Charleston audience while celebrating Varghese’s culinary heritage.

Rivayat will operate for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Sunday, serving up creative cocktails infused with Indian spices, including unique drinks like Aam Panna mojito and Punjabi Old Fashioned. Reservations for Rivayat can be made via resy.com.

Just a short while later, Allora will open, specializing in coastal Italian flavors. The opening date for Allora is set for October 1, and it will be located at 114 Spring St.. Allora is owned by the same team responsible for local favorites Southbound, Community Table, and Honeysuckle Rose. The menu, curated by co-owner and executive chef Ryan Jones, will feature seafood, fresh-made pastas, gourmet Italian cheeses, and daily rotating specials.

The restaurant will include a spacious dining room with an open kitchen, a bar area, and a relaxing outdoor second-story space. For those on the go, a streetside espresso and gelato walk-up window will be available for passersby. Details regarding Allora can be found at allorachs.com.

The opening of Rivayat and Allora reflects Charleston’s growing interest in global cuisine and the use of local ingredients, enhancing the culinary landscape of the city.

Key Features of Rivayat

• Type: Upscale Indian Restaurant
• Opening Date: September 18
• Location: 210 Rutledge Ave.
• Owner: Sujith Varghese
• Focus: Seafood
• Menu Highlights: Lobster moilee, traditional naan
• Aesthetic: Coastal-meets-modern design inspired by Kerala, India
• Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner
• Specialty Cocktails: Aam Panna mojito, Punjabi Old Fashioned
• Reservation System: Resy.com

Key Features of Allora

• Type: Coastal Italian Restaurant
• Opening Date: October 1
• Location: 114 Spring St.
• Owners: Team behind Southbound, Community Table, and Honeysuckle Rose
• Menu Highlights: Fresh-made pastas, gourmet Italian cheeses, seafood
• Dine-in Options: Open kitchen dining room, bar area, outdoor space
• Walk-up Window: Espresso and gelato for passersby
• Details: Allorachs.com

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Additional Resources

• Eater Carolinas: Rivayat Menu
• Wikipedia: Restaurant
• Post and Courier: Rivayet and Allora Opening
• Google Search: Indian Cuisine
• Eater Carolinas: Restaurant Openings in Charleston
• Google Scholar: Culinary Trends
• Post and Courier: Rivayat Indian Restaurant
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Italian Cuisine
• Eater Charleston: Asheville Crusco Restaurant
• Google News: Charleston Restaurants
• What Now: Coastal Indian Restaurant in Charleston

Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

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